Acidosis: Treatments

How is acidosis treated?

Treatment for acidosis depends on the underlying cause. Treatments for respiratory acidosis target the lungs to improve efficiency so you can exhale carbon dioxide more effectively. Treatment for metabolic acidosis targets the underlying cause, though agents that decrease acidity may be given.

Treatment of respiratory acidosis

Treatment for respiratory acidosis may include:

Bronchodilators may be used if airway disease is causing decreased breathing efficiency

Mechanical ventilation or positive pressure breathing devices may be used

Oxygen may be given

Treatment of metabolic acidosis

Sodium bicarbonate may be given to decrease blood acid levels.

What are the potential complications of acidosis?

Acidosis is a serious medical condition that is often life threatening when severe. You can help minimize your risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan you and your health care professional design specifically for you. Complications of acidosis include:

What is acidosis?

Acidosis is a serious metabolic imbalance in which there is an excess of
acidic molecules in the body. This can occur as a result of acid
overproduction, impaired acid transport, acid underexcretion, or any
combination. With overproduction, the body makes too much acid. This can
occur in sepsis, a life-threatening widespread infection in which the
body makes too much lactic acid. With unde...
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Common symptoms of acidosis

What causes acidosis?

Acidosis is caused by an accumulation of acid in your body. Normally,
your body effectively excretes or neutralizes acid through normal
breathing and kidney function. If these functions are perturbed, or if
the amount of acid your body produces increases significantly, acidosis
can result.